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I think I catch something in my Twitter feed every day that I'm super excited about-- whether it's an event or new exhibit in NYC, a cute outfit or something fabulous to buy online. Last week, my score of the day was a link to Sweet Lydia's online sweets shop. Based in Lowell, MA (big ups to my home state!) Lydia makes s'mores and other marshmallow treats. Being a huge s'mores fan myself, I often resort to toasting marshmallows over my gas stovetop... but there's a better way! Lydia makes s'mores in fabulous flavor combos that you can enjoy without the mess and meltiness (don't see what you want? you can create your own!).

stacked from top to bottom: caramel, peanut butter, white chocolate, and original

I ordered a few flavors because I couldn't decide. I wound up indulging in a bite of each washed down with an enormous glass of milk. Caramel is my favorite of the four I tried... caramel marshmallow with milk chocolate- YUM! These would be amazing as favors for your shower, wedding, birthday party, dinner party... whatever. Lydia customizes favors, so she can work with you to make the perfect treats for any occasion! My batch got shipped to my office and after cutting one of the originals into 4 pieces and delivering them to my co-workers' offices, they came back looking for more. I was stingy with the remainders, and brought 'em home with me. They're sure to be my go-to for late-night sweets cravings! 

Starting today, there will be 60 pianos in public spaces across the 5 boroughs. I'm super jealous that I have no musical talent! I'd love to stop at a random piano and bust out a tune for the wandering passersby.  The project, "Play Me, I'm Yours", encourages the public to upload their photos, videos, and stories about the pianos on their website. The project runs for two weeks, through July 5, at which point the pianos will be donated to local schools and community centers. I actually saw two of the pianos this weekend, in Battery Park and Chelsea Market. You can see a map and full list of the locations here. Play Me, I'm Yours is being sponsored by Sing for Hope, and is taking place simultaneously in NYC and London. Know someone who's planning an impromptu show? Are you gonna get out there and play? Send me your photos and videos and I'll post them here!

Labor Day and Memorial Day are the only Monday holidays I get from my day job, so needless to say, this weekend was a highly coveted bit of time off. Friday I had a half day at the office, so Allie and I went over to El Rio Grande on 38th and Third Avenue for drinks and lunch on their patio. The food was good, but drinks were expensive ($7 for a can of Corona?!). We had Benjamin with us since I brought him to the office Friday. He slept in his carrier the entire time:

Friday night and Saturday I had some QT at home with the kitties and a friend of mine- pizza, movies, Friends DVDs, laziness. Was pretty fabulous. My mum came down Saturday night for a couple days to see my apartment, check out my new hood, and to celebrate Fleet Week (natch). Sunday morning we went to Pomme Cafe in my neighborhood. Their brunch menu is really great- $14 gets you a mimosa, coffee, warm croissants, and your choice of a main dish. The restaurant is decorated very warmly, with dark wood and gold dominating the decor. The front of the restaurant opens up onto sidewalk seating along Broadway. It's worth the trip to Astoria if you don't frequent the area already.

After breakfast we went down to Pier 86 to check out the Fleet Week scene... the USS Iwo Jima was closed for the day, so we went to Dave & Busters in Times Square for some air hockey and mario kart. (My mum's pretty awesome). We shopped like crazy all afternoon in Herald Square- hit up Victoria's, Macy's, GAP and H&M. I found a shirt and dress at H&M to quench my spring fashion thirst for Breton stripes!

After shopping we went up to Riverside Park and had dinner at the Boat Basin Cafe. I really love it there. Decent prices, good food, and a fabulous view. We waited for a seat outside and had dinner and drinks while the sun set over the Hudson. Did I mention I'm obsessed with NYC?!

We wrapped up Saturday night with a trip to the movies to see SATC2. Cute flick. Monday we headed back down to the Pier and waited in a very long line to board the USS Iwo Jima- an active navy vessel that was here for Fleet Week. There were several navy helicoptor flyovers while we were on the flight deck, and we got to tour the ship and check out the aircraft (and the sailors, of course).

Was a great weekend with much-needed rest and catching up with my mum. In other news, Lily and Benjamin are BFFs already (yay!) and I've got several musician interviews coming up really soon. Hooray for happiness!

I adopted a new kitten tonight! His name is Benjamin Franklin and he's the cutest! I got him from the same foster family who I got Lily from. They even have the same parents- so they're really brother and sister. They don't love each other yet, but hopefully they'll stop hissing at each other and wanna play together soon! They both have the same stripes and coloring... it's like having a baby Lily all over again. Benjamin was in the wild living under a shed until 2 days ago, so he's still a little skittish. I'm certain he'll calm down with lots of love and cuddles. (I'm sure I'll be posting tons of photos and videos on my twitter, so follow me and we can gush together.)

It's that glorious time of year again! Fleet Week is upon us in New York City. There's a calendar of official events playing out by day, and the uniformed cuties will be swarming the streets by night. Most of us will be trapped in the office, but here are the highlights for the rest of the week:

Wednesday, 5/26
Parade of Sails
At 9am tomorrow, scope out a sunny spot on the bank of the Hudson to see the navy vessels coming up the Hudson and welcome all those sailors to the city! The official viewing area is the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

Friday, 5/28
Broadway Showcase
At noon, head down to the Intrepid at Pier 86 for a glimpse at Broadway musicals- Promises Promises, American Idiot, Addam's Family, Million Dollar Quartet and Hair will be featured. 

Intrepid Movie Series Kick-Off
At 7:30pm, head over to Pier 86 with a blanket and your sweetheart (or a girlfriend to scope out the sailors with) and get comfy on the deck of the Intrepid to watch Top Gun.

Saturday, 5/29
Wicked
At noon over at Pier 86, there will be performances from the musical, Wicked. If you haven't seen it, this show is ahamaaazing... any piece of the show that they perform is bound to be fabulous. 

Tug of War
Stick around the Pier after Wicked to see the different military branches square off in a serious tug of war match.

Sunday, 5/30
Rockettes
At 2pm the Rockettes will be at the Pier showing off their dance skills and those smokin' legs! Hang out with the lovely ladies of Radio City and stick around for a Q&A.

Monday, 5/31
Memorial Day Ceremony
At 11am there will be a Memorial Day Ceremony including a wreath laying, the unfurling of a 100-ft American flag, and a military aircraft flyover.  

There are tours of the ships going on all week at the Pier, and tons of other events. Check out the entire calendar here. Anchors aweigh, ladies!